Lizzie Somerfield’s Post

Understanding Autism. https://lnkd.in/gEB7AJDi

Well well well... It looks like Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month has rolled around again. Let’s dive in with a authentic and self-compassionate perspective. Advocating for Neurodiversity is indeed a marathon, not a sprint. Feeling overwhelmed? It's totally okay. To my fellow ND advocates running low on spoons 🥄 this month ♾️🌈, remember, you're not alone! This April, I’ve been right there with you, but I’m letting you in on a little secret: recycling content isn’t just okay; it’s smart, sustainable, and an essential form of dissemination. Last year, I unleashed a treasur trove 💎🌟👑 of ND-affirmative ABA insights that remain just as powerful today. 💥🔋 So, if you're feeling the pinch 🤏🏻 but still eager to contribute, remember leaning on your past work 💼 is more than okay—it's necessary! While I'm busy conserving spoons 🥄 and gathering energy ⚡️, I’ve got a few exciting plans brewing ☕️for this year, including talks from April to June (as well as a few manuscripts and 2 books). Stay tuned, treat yourselves kindly, and let’s keep making waves 🌊 together. In the meantime, why not join me for a trip down memory lane 🚌 and revisit some of last year's TikTok highlights? https://lnkd.in/gp2y8rz4

Check out our latest blog which discusses the topic of one of our Instagram reels that BLEW UP over night! 🙀

Hey queens!!! I offer a few different types of visits. 1. Self Love and Empowerment Coaching (Sissy Sessions) 2. If you have or want more information about STI or herpes, Sexual Health Consult with Sissy will educate and teach around the STI you need information about. 3. Discharged with Sissy is for people needing more explanation regarding discharge paperwork. I've been an RN for 30 years and am able to explain things in layman's terms. 4. Then there is SisterFriend Sessions, where we can just chat like homegirls. People need someone to bounce stuff off of they can't quite speak to anyone about without judgment or embarrassment. We can talk about anything. I am a confidential ear with an honest and loving heart. If you're interested, you can easily schedule a complimentary StraightTalk Strategy Session, and let's talk and see what we can accomplish together. 💖💖 https://lnkd.in/ganxNWu9 Galvanize the Goddess in you!!! Happy New Year!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 https://lnkd.in/gc_hJqcD

Yes, I still identify as autistic. I have a friend who is also auDHD and is training to become a psychologist. I trust her understanding of me more than that of a doctor I only saw for two hours (and the testing was done by another employee). I believe she is qualified to recognize my conditions. Some symptoms of OCD and Autism are comorbid and can lead to misdiagnosis, as the traits are very similar. Suggesting that someone cannot have a neurological disorder based on behaviors that can be learned keeps us behind the curve, especially in marginalized communities. If you suspect that you or your child is neurodivergent, consult with a doctor, but continue educating yourself so you can advocate effectively. #neurodiversityaffirming #autismadvocacy #educationalleadership #transformationalleadership

Autism Acceptance goes beyond agreement that Autistics have rights. It's critical that professionals are equipped to properly assess adults, especially women. Check out this video to see why it's important to go beyond the standard list of questions and actually listen to the response. A diagnosis can be a hurdle to receiving adequate supports, especially in the workplace. Neuroinclusion is connecting all the dots and actively dismantling barriers to thriving. #ActuallyAutistic #LateDiagnosedND #AutismSupport #BlissfullyND https://lnkd.in/gScers9P

In a world that could use a little more kindness, fostering empathy and compassion in our kids is more important than ever. And that starts with how we, as adults, show up online and in comment threads. Anyone who has spent time creating posts on social media probably has experience with trolls or nasty comments. Those interactions tend to stick. The words we choose are important. Especially when the other person isn’t standing in front of us to see our facial expressions or hear the tone in our voice. And of course, it's much easier to be mean behind a screen. And the important thing to remember is that our kids are watching and listening. How we behave online and in comment threads and with our devices is ultimately how they will behave online. So the first question has to be: Are we behaving online the way we hope our kids will behave online? 🌎💕 #EmpathyMatters #KindnessCounts #ParentingWithPurpose

I can't help being an advocate. It's burned into my brain. It's how I'm wired. It's who I am. My ethics won't let me be anyone else. #advocate #advocacy #moms #momsoftiktok #millennials #tiktok #change #safety #womensvoices #unmuted #women #adhd #autism #disabled #socialmedia #socialissues #society https://lnkd.in/gxCFnZRp

Words shape how we perceive and interact with the world. When it comes to describing human behaviour, the language we use matters more than we often realise. The way we talk about others can reinforce stigma, perpetuate stereotypes, or show compassion and understanding. For instance, labeling a person with disability as “aggressive” changes how we view their actions and, in turn, how we respond. Using reflective practice, respectful language affirms the humanity in everyone, acknowledges their experiences, and creates space for connection. Every person deserves to be seen, not just for what they do, but for who they are. #wordsmatter #lowarousal #stressresponse